Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

Italian footwear designer Sergio Rossi has passed away at the age of 84 due to coronavirus-related complications. He died in Cesena, Italy after being hospitalized days prior with the virus.

Rossi's eponymous brand confirmed the news this morning with an Instagram post. "Today everyone at Sergio Rossi joins me in remembering our dear Sergio, the inspiring founder of our dream," Riccardo Sciutto, CEO Sergio Rossi Group, wrote. "Sergio Rossi was a master, and it is my great honor to have met him and gotten to present him the archive earlier this year. His vision and approach will remain our guide in the growth of the brand and the business."

Growing up in the Romagna region of Italy, Rossi learned how to make shoes from his father. He went on to launch his own company in 1968, after producing footwear at his factory in San Mauro Pascoli in the 1950s. Responsible for a number of recognizable designs, Rossi is best known for the Opanca sandal with its curved sole.

Prior to his passing, Rossi aided in the fight against coronavirus by donating €100,000 to Milan's Sacco hospital.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.
We Recommend
  • Meet the Legendary French Designer Collaging Together Joy, Punk & Palace
  • Footwear’s Future-Forward Fantasy: Vans is Looking Ahead with the New Old Skool 36 FM
  • Zidane’s Legendary adidas Boot Is Back — But Way Softer
  • Meet the Designer Turning Traditional Footwear Into Conceptual Chaos
  • Big Black Boots? The Designers Reenergizing Dr. Martens Have Other Plans (EXCLUSIVE)
What To Read Next
  • Grandma’s Crochet Pattern on adidas’ Hottest Sneakers
  • adidas' Football-Flavored Skate Shoe Enters Its Most Classic & Luxe Form
  • Two Masters of GORE-TEX Footwear, One Chunky Boat Shoe
  • An Artful Nike Dunk, Decked Out in Handmade Harris Tweed
  • Can You Make a Parisian Souvenir Shop Cool? Pigalle Says, Yes
  • Slawn and HUGO Unveil New High Octane Collab In London